Collected Soil Samples Research Articles

Impacts of wildfire on soil characteristics in subtropical Chir Pine forests of Murree, Pakistan

Wildfires are a natural component of forest ecosystem. These fires are a major cause of significant perturbations in the forest habitat due to temperature extremes and drought conditions particularly in summer. Wildfires occur frequently during summer in the subtropical Chir pine forests of Murree, Pakistan. These fires influence soil characteristics as well as tree-species growth and survival. The present study was thus conducted to investigate soil characteristics of wildfire-affected and non-affected areas. Four sites were selected based on wildfire incidents in the study area. Soil samples were collected from the fire-affected and adjacent non-affected areas. The collected soil samples were analyzed for physical and chemical characteristics using appropriate methods. The study showed that bulk density, moisture content, electrical conductivity, and soil nitrogen and soil carbon content declined in the burnt soil. However, soil pH, and phosphorus and potassium contents were higher in the burnt soils than those in the non-burnt soils. Generally, low intensity forest fire (surface fire) is an important component of forest ecosystem and it enhances natural regeneration as well as soil fertility. It is suggested that government forest departments should take into account burn severity while developing hazard reduction and restoration strategies of wildfire affected areas.

Tree canopy area-dependent changes in soil properties: a comparative study in the southern limit of boreal forest distribution

The forest distribution in relation to mountain slope position and the relationships between forest canopy area and soil physical and chemical properties in Mongolia attract the attention of scientists. In this study, we aimed to determine (1) how the slope aspect affects the forest soil physical and chemical properties, (2) how the soil variables correlate with projected canopy area. For comparative study, we established a total of 18 (20 × 25 m2 sized) sample plots in upper forest edge (UFE), upper slope of the forest (USF), lower slope of the forest (LSF), lower forest edge (LFE), sparse forest (SF), and degraded forest area (DFA) stand types with three replications. We measured the tree height, diameter and crown projection area of each growing tree in the sample plots, and collected soil samples for further soil physical and chemical analyses in the laboratory. Our results showed a high variation in growing stock (p < 0.0001), stand density and projected canopy area (p < 0.0001) in relation to mountain slope position and land-use management. We found that the slight changes in stand canopy area projection cause a high variation in soil physical and chemical properties. Among studied stand types higher means of soil temperature and bulk density and lower moisture content were observed on SF and DFA stand types. Contrary, relatively higher content of soil moisture and nutrient elements were recorded in USF, LSF, LFE. We conclude that tree canopy area becomes key determinant factor that positively influences forest soil moisture and fertility by increasing organic matter content in Mongolia.

An assessment of soil microbial community environmental stress in alpine marginal ecosystems using microbial indicators

Alpine marginal ecosystems above the natural tree line are considered to be the most vulnerable habitats for maintaining local biodiversity. The soil microbial community is crucial for ecosystem stability and function. However, our comprehension of the overall soil microbial community in alpine marginal ecosystems remains limited, particularly regarding environmental stress. We selected the Baima Mountain National Nature Reserve (BMNNR) in the northwest Yunnan provinces as our study area and collected soil samples from three different depth layers, in alpine marginal ecosystems. The phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis method was utilized to evaluate alterations in soil microbial communities. The results showed that: (1) the PLFA content gradually decreased with increasing soil depth; (2) on the whole, the variations in PLFA across alpine marginal ecosystems were obviously, the highest in alpine meadow (AM) and the lowest in alpine screes (AS); (3) the site effect exerted a greater direct influence than microhabitat effect and elevation (0–5 cm, 32 %, 16 % and 9 %, respectively; 20–40 cm, 46 %, 29 % and 0 %, respectively), with the direct impact of elevation decreasing as soil depth increased (0–5 cm, 5–20 cm and20-40 cm, 9 %, 1 % and 0 %, respectively); and (4) the ratio of cyclopropyl to precursors (Cy:Pre) in all communities was > 0.1, indicating that the soil microbial community was under environmental stress. This study demonstrates the potential of PLFA analysis to profile soil microbial communities and their stress status under field conditions and also provides a better understanding of the correlation between soil microbial communities and the function and health of alpine marginal ecosystems.

Effect of drainage on microbial transformation processes of soil organic carbon in two typical wetlands of China

Wetlands store one third of global soil organic carbon (SOC) and are strongly affected by artificial drainage. The impact of drainage-induced water-table decline on carbon cycling in different wetlands, particularly microbial transformation processes, remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we collected soil samples from two typical wetlands of China (a nutrient-poor bog located in Dajiuhu and a nutrient-rich fen in Hongyuan) and conducted an incubation experiment with the addition of 13C-labeled glucose to analyze the effects of short- and long-term drainage on SOC decomposition, extracellular enzyme activity, microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE), and microbial carbon accumulation efficiency (CAE). The results showed that both short- and long-term drainage significantly increased SOC decomposition rates in both wetlands (from 1.47 μg C·g-1·h-1 in submerged soils to 2.47 μg C·g-1·h-1 in drained soils), microbial biomass carbon derived from glucose (from 0.21 mg C·g-1 to 1.00 mg C·g-1) and CAE (from 0.29 to 0.73), but did not alter CUE (ranging from 0.34 to 0.86). Long-term drainage increased α-glucosidase activity in the Dajiuhu wetland and decreased β-glucosidase and phenol oxidase activities in the Hongyuan wetland. In conclusion, drainage enhanced the 'microbial carbon pump' and its efficiency in wetlands mainly via increasing microbial intracellular metabolism (including respiration), but also acce-lerated SOC decomposition.

The soil properties of dust source of south-eastern Ahvaz, Iran

The main goal of this study was to explore the physio-chemical soil characteristics in the dust hotspot of south-eastern Ahvaz in the Iranian province Khuzestan. The knowledge about physical and chemical characteristics of soils at the landscape scale is crucial for biological stabilization processes of soil surfaces to prevent or to reduce deflation processes. For this purpose, we collected soil samples in a 2 × 2 km grid and measured physical and chemical properties of the soils in the lab. Then, the erodible fraction (EF) and soil crust factor (SCF) were calculated based on an improved wind erosion model method. The results show that the erodible fraction of the soil classified into high susceptibility classes and SCF have significant variations throughout the study area. The majority of soils in dust source areas has heavy to very heavy texture and suffer from low organic matter, salinity, and alkalinity, which limit the growth of plants and make the prevention of wind erosion difficult.

Depth‐dependent responses of the soil bacterial community under vegetation restoration in soil erosion areas of southern China

AbstractSoil bacterial communities play a crucial role in the evaluation of soil ecosystem stability. Vegetation restoration is a key determinant of soil bacterial communities in areas affected by soil erosion. However, it remains unclear how the structure and diversity of soil bacterial communities vary with soil depth. In this study, we collected soil samples from 0 to 10 cm, 10 to 20 cm, 20 to 30 cm, and 30 to 40 cm depths in vegetation restoration sites located in typical soil erosion areas in China. We compared and analyzed the differences in bacterial community characteristics among different soil depths, using untreated areas as controls. Compared to the untreated areas, the abundance of soil bacteria in the 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm depths of the vegetation restoration sites increased by 1.63, 1.04, and 1.29 times, respectively. Furthermore, vegetation restoration enhanced soil bacterial diversity at the 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm depths. Soil organic carbon (OC) was the main explanatory factor (53.50%, p = 0.000) for the decrease in soil bacterial diversity with soil depth. Additionally, after vegetation restoration in soil erosion areas, the dominant bacterial community composition shifted from Chloroflexi to Actinobacteria at the 0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, and 20–30 cm depths and to Proteobacteria at the 30–40 cm depth. The differences in soil bacterial communities among different soil depths were primarily driven by soil total nitrogen (TN) content, which explained up to 34.5% of the variation. In conclusion, in the subsequent management of vegetation restoration sites, increasing OC and TN content can enhance soil bacterial diversity, improve bacterial community composition, and ultimately enhance the stability of soil ecosystems.

Heavy metal toxicological analysis of vegetables cultivated in sewage-irrigated soil in the Indian metropolis of Ahmedabad City, Gujarat

Using wastewater for irrigation poses a significant health risk. We measured the concentration of (cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc) in wastewater, soil, and vegetation at 8 sites along a 60 km stretch of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad city. An evaluation of the potential danger from consuming contaminated vegetables was conducted using Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Target Cancer danger (TCR). The average concentration of the metals Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn exceeds the maximum permitted limits for irrigation purposes as established by regulatory bodies. The heavy metals in the collected soil sample are ranked in descending order of concentration as follows: Zn &gt; Mn &gt; Cu &gt; Cr &gt; Ni &gt; Pb &gt; Co. The average metal concentrations in vegetables range from 0.10-11.3 µg g-1 for Co, 5.2-11.8 µg g-1 for Cr, 0.04-9.9 µg g-1 for Cu, 12.3-110 µg g-1 for Mn, 0.7-4.2 µg g-1 for Ni, 0.4-8.4 µg g-1 for Pb, and 4.4-44 µg g-1 for Zn. The mean content of heavy metals (µg g-1) in the collected vegetable samples is highest in spinach, followed by brinjal, cabbage, tomato, and cauliflower. The Hazardous Quotient (THQ) shows a high health risk for Pb (6.1) and Mn (1.02), and a medium health risk for Cr (0.9). The Target Cancer Risk (TCR) emphasized the cancer risk posed by Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni), following with Lead (Pb). The study indicates a link between health risks and consuming vegetables grown in the study area. It recommends improving wastewater treatment facilities and monitoring heavy metal levels in vegetables grown in soil irrigated with wastewater at regular intervals.

EVALUASI STATUS KESUBURAN TANAH DI MASA REPLANTING PERKEBUNAN KELAPA SAWIT PADA TANAH MINERAL PROVINSI JAMBI

Appropriate fertilization recommendations are needed to maximize the production of oil palm plants on land that has been used for a long time. This study aimed to determine the status of soil fertility during the oil palm replanting period in Kemang Manis Village, Muara Papalik Sub-district, West Tanjung Jabung Regency, and determine fertilization recommendations according to the needs of oil palm plants based on soil fertility. This study used a survey method; soil samples taken were disturbed soil samples, and sampling was carried out at two depths, namely 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm. Determination of sampling points using stratified random sampling method based on homogeneous land units that were processed based on soil type and slope in the research location. The collected soil samples were analyzed for H, CEC, BS, organic C, P2O5, K2O, and total N. The results showed low fertility status during the oil palm replanting period in the research location. Observations of the soil profile also showed that the O horizon was thin. Fertilization recommendations that must be made to improve soil fertility include adding dolomite fertilizer to increase soil pH value and increasing the availability of N, P, and K elements in the form of Urea, SP36, and KCl. To increase the content of organic materials in the soil, applying oil palm empty fruit bunches can also improve the soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties.

Response of soil microbial necromass carbon to litter and root carbon inputs in a mid-subtropical Castanopsis carlesii plantation

Microbial necromass carbon (MNC) is a crucial source for stable soil carbon pool, and understanding its response to carbon inputs from both aboveground (litter) and belowground (roots) in subtropical forest soils is essential for assessing soil carbon stocks in global ecosystems. In a Castanopsis carlesii plantation at the Sanming Forest Ecosystem National Observation and Research Station in Fujian Province, we conducted an experiment with five treatments, including root removal (NR), aboveground litter removal (NL), no litter input (removals of both aboveground litter and roots, NI), double aboveground litter addition (DL), and control (CK). After seven years, we collected soil samples in the 0-10 cm soil layer to examine changes in MNC content and its contribution to soil organic carbon (SOC). Results showed that NR treatment reduced MNC, bacterial necromass carbon (BNC), and fungal necromass carbon (FNC) by 15.9%, 20.2%, and 14.5%, respectively, while other treatments did not induce significant changes. The NR, NL, NI, and DL treatments did not affect the contributions of BNC, FNC, and MNC to SOC. Correlation and path analyses revealed that litter and root carbon input treatments could alter the MNC content directly or indirectly through changing soil available substrates and microbial community structure. Our results suggested that roots exert a stronger influence on the maintenance of MNC than aboveground carbon source in the mid-subtropical plantations.

Microbial diversity in earthen site of exhibition Hall of pit no. 1 at the terracotta warriors Museum in Emperor Qinshihuang's mausoleum site museum and its correlation with environmental factors.

Earthen sites are essential cultural relic resources, and site museums are a fundamental component of China's cultural heritage protection. The mausoleum of the Qin Shi Huang Emperor is one of the largest, most peculiar, and richest imperial tombs in the world. The exhibition hall of the burial pit No. 1 of the Terra Cotta Warriors is the earliest exhibition hall built and opened to the public. However, after years of excavation and open exhibitions, the earthen site of the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum has deteriorated to varying degrees due to changes in the modern environment. There is an urgent need to control microbial diseases and protect the earthen site. We analyzed the physical and chemical properties and bioindicators of the collected soil samples. We also established a metagenomic library and conducted a correlation analysis between microbial community composition and environmental factors. Cultivable fungi obtained from air and soil samples were identified, and allicin volatile gas fungistasis test was conducted. Research has found that four different areas of the exhibition hall have different types of microbial diseases owing to their different environments. The main pathogenic fungi in earthen site may lead to potential microbial diseases that affect important cultural relics such as the Terra Cotta Warriors. Penicillium, Aspergillus and Talaromyces showed relatively specific growth in relation to environmental factors and showed a better raw growth advantage.Allicin gas had a inhibitory effect on 12 types of fungi, therefore allicin gas had a potent inhibitory effect on the growth of the most culturable fungal hyphae. This study provides basic data for the study of microbial diversity in the exhibition hall of Pit No. 1 at the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum. It provides a reference for future protection work, which is of great significance.

Quantifying salinity in calcareous soils through advanced spectroscopic models: A comparative study of random forests and regression techniques across diverse land use systems.

Precise prediction of soil salinity using visible, and near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy is crucial for ensuring food security and effective environmental management. This paper focuses on the precise prediction of soil salinity utilizing visible and near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy, a critical factor for food security and effective environmental management. The objective is to utilize vis-NIR spectra alongside a multiple regression model (MLR) and a random forest (RF) modeling approach to predict soil salinity across various land use types, such as farmlands, bare lands, and rangelands accurately. To this end, we selected 150 sampling points representatives of these diverse land uses. At each point, we collected soil samples to measure the soil salinity (ECe) and employed a portable spectrometer to capture the spectral reflectance across the full wavelength range of 400 to 2400 nm. The methodology involved using both individual spectral reflectance values and combinations of reflectance values from different wavelengths as input variables for developing the MLR and RF models. The results indicated that the RF model (RMSE = 4.85 dS m-1, R2 = 0.87, and RPD = 3.15), utilizing combined factors as input variables, outperformed others. Furthermore, our analysis across different land uses revealed that models incorporating combined input variables yielded significantly better results, particularly for farmlands and rangelands. This study underscores the potential of combining vis-NIR spectroscopy with advanced modeling techniques to enhance the accuracy of soil salinity predictions, thereby supporting more informed agricultural and environmental management decisions.

Impacto da mudança de uso da terra nos estoques de nitrogênio em plintossolo de cerrado

ABSTRACT The land use changes and different management forms promote modifications in soil organic matter (SOM), which imply the yield and sustainability of agricultural systems. SOM provides essential elements for plants, such as Nitrogen (N), one of its main constituents, and is also an indicator of soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of N levels and stocks in the soil of Plinthosol in the state of Tocantins, Brazil, under different uses (eucalyptus, corn, and pasture) compared to a natural ecosystem of Cerrado sensu stricto. Therefore, six trenches were opened in each study area to collect soil samples at 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, and 40-50 cm soil layers, determining the contents and stocks (0-50 cm) of total N in the soil by dry combustion. The means were compared by the Tukey test at a 5% error probability level. N-S contents and stocks of the evaluated systems did not differ statistically from the reference area, except the eucalyptus area, which presented a higher average content, specifically in the 0-10 cm layer, and a higher average stock, considering the entire layer evaluated (0- 50cm). N-S stocks decreased in the following order across different land uses: eucalyptus &gt; corn = pasture = Cerrado, probably indicating the effectiveness of the arboreal component in incorporating N-S as well as the importance of adopting conservation management practices that prioritize greater input and stabilization of organic matter in the soil.

Lysinibacillus fusiformis: A novel mosquitocidal bacterium isolated from Western Ghats, Kerala, India

An extensive field survey was carried out from December 2021 to January 2022 for the collection of soil samples in the Western Ghat region of the Wayanad district of Kerala, India, to isolate potent novel mosquitocidal bacteria which could be used as efficient formulations to control mosquito vectors. Several bacterial colonies were isolated and screened, for mosquitocidal activity. Toxicity assay showed that only one bacterium isolated from forest loamy soil had promising larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus the lymphatic filariasis vector (LC50: 0.03 mg L-1 &amp; LC90: 0.07 mg L-1) and moderate activity was shown against the dengue vector, Aedes aegypti (LC50: 1.03 mg L-1 &amp; LC90: 1.8 mg L-1). The bacterium was identified as Lysnibacillus fusiformis by a phylogenetic tree constructed using 16S rRNA genome sequencing. This is the first report that L. fusiformis isolated from the forest loamy soil of the Western Ghats, Kerala, which showed proficient mosquitocidal activity against disease-transmitting mosquito vectors.

Isolation of Rhizospheric Bacteria from Soil and Their Antifungal Activity Against Helminthosporium oryzae the Causal Agent of Brown Spot of Rice

The brown spot of rice caused by Helminthosporium oryzae is a serious disease that affects the yield of rice crops. Brown spots of rice have been reported in almost all rice-growing countries. Therefore, the present study was to explore the management of brown spots of rice. through an antagonistic activity using rhizospheric bacteria. The method employed for soil sample collection was persuaded for bacterial isolation through the serial dilution plate technique. For the results of morphological characteristics of bacterial strain from soils of rice crop collected from Hyderabad. The results of the present study show that many colonies made by bacteria and which were consisted of different sizes, shapes, and colors. Whereas the results of the 15 isolates strains of rhizobacteria, only 06 bacterial strains IAP-1, IAP-2, IAP-04, IAP-09, IAP-12, and IAP-14 were found more effective in antagonizing H.oryzae, under in-vitro conditions. Antagonistic activity of rhizobacteria against H. organize showed significant inhibitory effects. The rhizobacteria showed the primordial result against against H. oryzae and will be helpful as a formulation not only for commercial purposes but also for beneficial biological control against the Brown spot of rice

Spatial Assessment and Variation of Soil Physicochemical Properties and Water Quality in the Tungi Watershed of Maharashtra, India

Aims: To thoroughly evaluate the spatial variability of soil physicochemical properties and groundwater quality of the study area by systematic collection and analysis of geo-referenced soil and groundwater samples to quantify the physical, chemical and biological attributes of the soil. The objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of soil and water quality in the Tungi watershed, providing valuable insights to guide sustainable land and water management practices in the region.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Latur between 2020 and 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of one hundred geo-referenced surface soil samples (0-30 cm) and ten groundwater samples were methodically collected from the surrounding area of soil profiles in the Tungi watershed, situated in Latur, Maharashtra. Physical, chemical and biological properties of soil evaluated using recommended standard methods.&#x0D; Results: Bulk density varied from 1.13 to 1.93 Mg m-3, particle density from 2.48 to 2.94 Mg m-3 and porosity from 22 to 58 percent. Soil pH ranged from 7.05 to 8.96 and electrical conductivity was within the permissible range. Organic carbon content of soils ranged from 0.15 to 1.05 percent, with some soils having a calcareous character (0.6 to 22.2 percent). The analysis of nutrient content revealed variable quantities with available nitrogen ranging from 53.31 to 250.88 kg ha-1, available phosphorus from 12.51 to 27.49 kg ha-1, available potassium from 106.9 to 851.5 kg ha-1 and available sulphur from 4.37 to 66.65 mg kg-1. Exchangeable calcium and magnesium quantities revealed ranges of 14.60 to 42.40 cmol(p+) kg-1 and 5.40 to 21.60 cmol(p+) kg-1, respectively. Furthermore, DTPA extractable iron varied from 4.24 to 16.38 mg kg-1, manganese from 4.76 to 25.84 mg kg-1, zinc and copper from 0.5 to 6.56 mg kg-1 and 0.72 to 15.56 mg kg-1, respectively and boron from 0.1 to 3.56 mg kg-1. Microbial population estimates revealed the dominance of bacteria over fungi and actinomycetes in the studied area. Groundwater carbonate and bicarbonate ranged from 0.01 to 0.62 m mol-1 and 6.35 to 10.24 mmol-1 respectively. The dug well, bore well and tube well water RSC ranged from 0.70 to 1.25 mmol-1.&#x0D; Conclusion: This extensive study provides helpful insights into the regional variability of physical and chemical properties in both soil and water with help of soil fertility maps, providing better understanding of soil fertilizer input and environmental conditions in the Tungi watershed.

Depth-dependent patterns of activity and abundance of atmospheric methane-oxidizing bacteria in semiarid grassland on the Loess Plateau of China

High-affinity methanotrophs in upland soils are responsible for the well-known biological sink of atmospheric methane. However, the vertical distribution pattern of their abundance and activity remains largely unknown. Here, we collected soil samples in 2 cm intervals from the surface to a depth of 40 cm in a typical semiarid steppe in the Loess Plateau of China. We found a bell-shaped distribution of the atmospheric methane-oxidizing potential (atmMOP) along the soil depth, and its peak appeared in the 10–20 cm soil layers. The abundance of methanotrophs (dominated by the upland soil cluster gamma, USCγ) showed a similar vertical distribution pattern and was well correlated with the atmMOP (P < 0.01). Pearson correlation analysis and the structural equation model showed that pH and inorganic nitrogen concentration were the main environmental factors that affecting atmMOP and USCγ abundance.

Chemical attributes of the soil in area with organic waste from cachaça production in the Lambedouro Valley – Viçosa of Ceará

It is important to monitor the chemical attributes of the soil in waste disposal areas, as this is a resource that is widely affected by waste on the ground. This study aimed to identify the changes in soil chemistry caused by the improper disposal of organic waste from cachaça production. The experiment was conducted in the Lambedouro district, located 12 km from the city of Viçosa of Ceará. A completely randomized design (DIC) was used, with two areas for collecting soil samples with 10 repetitions in each area, the control was done outside the transect, at each collection point two samples were collected, one on the east side and one on the west side, both at a distance of 1 m from the indicated point. For the chemical analysis, a composite sample was taken from the single samples collected in the 100 m linear transect. The data obtained was submitted to the normality and F tests, with a 5% significance level. The use of organic waste from the production of cachaça as a nutrient source for the soil is an alternative way of disposing of it properly; however, some of it needs proper treatment before it can be used. Inadequate disposal of organic waste from cachaça production did not negatively affect soil chemistry, especially fertility-related parameters, but it did negatively affect soil pH for sugarcane production.

Evaluation of Soil Fertility for Crop Production in Beel Chiroil, Pabna, Bangladesh

The study area is at Beel, Chiroil, Chatmohar, Pabna, Bangladesh. Ten soil sampling locations were selected from this area. Based on soil type and existing cropping patterns, soil samples were collected after harvesting the crops from each selected location of the study area. All soil samples (ten) were collected as per Soil Samples Collection Method of Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI). The collected soil samples were submitted to the Central Laboratory of SRDI. The test results of the soil samples found that, the soil of the study area contained neutral soil pH (6.87), medium organic matter (3.58%), nitrogen (0.198 Meq/100g), potassium (0.256 Meq/100g) and zinc (1.15 μg/g), low phosphorus (13.503μg/g), sulfur (19.83 μg/g) and boron (0.28 μg/g) and very high iron (53.14 μg/g), calcium (20.288 Meq/100g) and magnesium (10.167 Meq/100g) on average. Interpretation of the soil test results indicate that, fertility condition of the research field will provides a good basis of fertilizer recommendation for the study area farmers. A recommendation of fertilizer doses is prepared according to Fertilizer Recommendation Guide, 2018 of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC). The research also helps to suggest some suitable cropping patterns for the study area.

Moss crusts mitigate the negative impacts of shrub mortality on the nutrient multifunctionality of desert soils

AbstractThe distribution of biological soil crusts (BSCs) and shrubs in temperate deserts often forms a common landscape surface feature. As climate change continues, desert shrubs experience varying rates of mortality, which can have severe negative impacts on soil structure and function. However, it remains uncertain whether moss crusts, prevalent beneath shrub canopies, can mitigate the effects of shrub mortality on soil nutrient environments. Therefore, this study focuses on the Gurbantunggut Desert, a typical temperate desert in northern China, with a primary focus on the dominant shrubs, Ephedra przewalskii, and the advanced stage of moss crust development within BSCs. We collected soil samples from bare sand and moss crusts under living shrubs and dead shrubs and analyzed them for their carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents. Additionally, we calculated soil nutrient multifunctionality, which measures a soil's ability to sustain multiple ecosystem services simultaneously, to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effects of shrub mortality on soil nutrient function. Our results indicate that shrub mortality led to reductions in soil moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, and levels of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in exposed sand compared to the sand under living shrubs. However, the presence of moss crusts significantly alleviated the adverse effects of shrub mortality on soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels. The nutrient multifunctionality index of the moss crust only decreased by 4%, while bare sand experienced a 67% reduction following shrub mortality. Standard error of the mean analysis results revealed that when shrubs and crusts coexisted, the impact of shrubs on soil nutrient multifunctionality was much stronger than that of the moss crust. Specifically, total nutrient content was the most influential factor driving changes in soil nutrient multifunctionality. In conclusion, in desert ecosystems with declining shrubs, moss crusts can mitigate the reduction in soil nutrient contents caused by shrub degradation, thereby maintaining soil stability and nutrient multifunctionality as a viable substitute.

Effect of vermicompost on soil quality parameters for different land use patterns

Extensive industrialization, urbanization, and excessive use of chemicals in agricultural practices have caused soil quality depletion and reduced its nutritional value. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of vermicompost (VC) on different soil properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, total phosphorus, and bulk density to understand the soil enrichment for different land use patterns i.e., agriculture soil (AS), forest soil (FS) and barren soil (BS). The collected soil samples were mixed with VC in different proportions (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5) and analyzed in terms of aforementioned parameters. Among the investigated soils, the highest microbial biomass was observed for FS samples and noted in the range of 6 – 8 mg/gm of soil. All the original soils, supplemented samples, and VC were also subjected to plant growth analysis. The soil quality index (SQI) was determined using principal component analysis for selected soil samples and resulted mixtures obtained from soil and various proportions of VC. Among all samples, highest SQI was observed as 0.785 for VC. Overall, the result of the study showed that vermicompost can be a potential substitute of chemical fertilizers, thus improving the soil quality and crop yield.